The "AXE Hammer" Matt Axelson Tribute Knife

Busse Combat Knife Company is deeply honored to have had the privilege of creating the "AXE Hammer" tribute knife for Matt Axelson of Seal Team 10 and the Operation Red Wings mission, which was made famous by Marcus Luttrell's #1 New York Times bestseller, Lone Survivor. Below is Jeff Axelson's heart-felt story of the journey toward honoring his brother's ultimate sacrifice...

OUR STORY

"What would you do to save a life?"

My brother and I asked each other that question numerous times during the 29 years we had together. We wondered...if that moment would come, when we had to act, would we have the courage and the strength to respond without thought of our own skin. Would we risk everything to try to help?

Shortly after September 11, 2001 we had this conversation.

"Do you think you would have the courage to risk your life to save a friend?", Matt asked me. The fog was rolling in around us at our house in San Diego. The water in the air was thick enough to make the fire snap, and the hot dusty coals were dwindling but alive with a subtle glow as the damp chill of the night settled in around us.

Matt was about to begin his third phase of BUDs training and was on a short weekend leave prior to heading to the island. We were sitting opposite each other at our fire pit, with cold beers in hand, as we began a conversation I will never forget. Matt sat across from me, staring at the iron red coals with an uncertain look on his face. Our jovial night was about to take a more serious tone.